Originally Posted by
Whopity
Not so many years ago the tests pilots on Concorde only had PPLs
I was a company Chief Pilot at one point on a PPL, although I have commercial licences now - it was appropriate in the circumstances of the time. The procedure for me, as it doubtless was for the Concorde programme, was to provide the CAA with an AD458 detailing relevant experience, civil and military, training and education, etc. etc. CAA had the right to interview, come fly with you, detail mandatory training and mentoring requirements.
That was fine in a company overseeing aeroplane design work, for which there is no standard model. Less so for a pure air transport role, for which there are standard licences and approvals.
G